The Women's March, a movement that began as a response to Donald Trump's presidency in 2017, continues to evolve amidst controversy and societal shifts. Initially conceived as a reaction to Trump's victory in the 2016 presidential election, the first march on Washington was one of the largest single-day demonstrations in the capital city's history. This grassroots effort was organized by a diverse group, primarily Clinton supporters, aiming to voice dissent against Trump's policies. However, the movement has faced internal challenges and criticism over its leadership and inclusivity.
The Women's March leaders have played pivotal roles in rallying against significant political figures and decisions. In 2018, they mobilized against Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. More recently, in 2022, the Supreme Court's decision to overturn the federal right to abortion prompted nationwide protests, once again spotlighting the Women's March as a catalyst for advocacy and resistance.
Despite these notable actions, the organization has encountered internal struggles. A significant controversy arose when a founding member was pushed out of leadership due to her Jewish faith, sparking debates about diversity and inclusion within the movement. Critics have accused the Women's March of failing to adequately address racism and exclusion within its ranks. Rose, one of the critics, expressed her disappointment, stating, "Even when racism was called out, they did not address it." She further emphasized the need for deep reflection and education on systemic issues: "You should be reading our books and understanding the roots of racism and white supremacy. Listening to our speeches. You should be drowning yourselves in our poetry."
The organization has responded to these challenges by rebranding itself as the People's March, signaling a broader focus on social justice issues beyond gender equality. This rebranding reflects both internal struggles and a commitment to inclusivity. Tamika Middleton, who became managing director in 2021, acknowledged the evolving nature of the movement: "Our values don't always land in our practice in the ways that we intend them to."
Middleton has emphasized the importance of adapting to contemporary issues while maintaining the movement's core mission. "When Trump was elected the first time, there was sort of this kind of outrage that really grew, really quickly," she noted. However, she observed a shift in public sentiment over time: "And this time what we saw, yes, we saw some outrage. We also saw frustration, we saw disappointment, we saw grief. We saw a lot of sadness." This changing emotional landscape highlights the need for the movement to address a broader spectrum of societal challenges.
The Women's March has continued to hold annual protests and events, including a vigil for the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg in 2020. However, participation numbers have fluctuated over the years. The 2019 Women's March saw significantly smaller crowds than previous years, leaving some attendees disheartened by the perceived decline in momentum.
Aurielle Marie, an attendee at one of these events, described feeling disconnected from the movement's original spirit: "I was in a bright pink, bubble-lettered poster board, kumbaya space and felt so alone and so dehumanised." This sentiment underscores ongoing concerns about inclusion and representation within the organization.
Marie further critiqued societal priorities, asserting that "This is a nation that prioritises bombs, and specifically bombing children over educating them." She emphasized that meaningful change requires sustained effort beyond symbolic gestures: "The action it takes to shift that government is not a couple of hours on a Saturday with a couple of signs."
